KALEN DEBOER, CRIMSON TIDE COUNT ON CONTINUITY IN 2025
Kalen DeBoer begins his second season at Alabama with a tone-setting theme common from the end of the 2024 season until the Crimson Tide kick off fall camp in two weeks: Let’s get physical.
“When it comes to just overall as a program, physicality is the name of the game when it comes to playing football. You wear pads for a reason, right? Physicality comes through the work to build your body, but that also comes through toughness mentally as well,” DeBoer said Wednesday morning in Atlanta, the site of SEC Media Days.
“I love, again, the work that we’re focused on right now is the main thing, keeping it that. I love the mindset. Doesn’t guarantee anything but gives you a great chance.”
Talent gives the Crimson Tide a great chance, too.
And while Alabama subtracted three prominent underclassmen to the draft — quarterback Jalen Milroe (Seattle Seahawks), guard Tyler Booker (Dallas Cowboys) and linebacker Jihaad Campbell (Philadelphia Eagles) — and several seniors from DeBoer’s first season on the job in Tuscaloosa, he has a few players ready to pick up the hammer as tone-setters this season.
“The offensive line is where it really starts,” DeBoer said. “Really six guys that are strongly in the rotation with a lot of others that are up-and-coming, developing quickly, that I can see competing for spots as the season goes along as well.”
The featured talent on the line is Kadyn Proctor, an offensive tackle who can block out the sun, who is also on pace to earn his degree in December. NFL draft experts view Proctor as a likely first-round talent in the 2026 draft if he opts to leave. DeBoer said he loves everything about the 6-foot-7, 360-pounder.
“You look at the guy and he’s massive. Man, just does everything on a high level when it comes to his training,” said DeBoer.
Replacing Milroe is a clear focus in fall camp. DeBoer said Ty Simpson “would be the guy that would take the first snaps and be our starter” if Alabama was lining up to play a game right now.
But he kept the door open for Austin Mack, a 6-6, 235-pound redshirt freshman who followed DeBoer from Washington, and true freshman Keelon Russell to shift the depth chart in the next six weeks before Alabama begins the season at Florida State. DeBoer — who also brought in his former offensive coordinator with the Huskies, Ryan Grubb — said Mack and Russell are capable of “big jumps” in fall camp because of the high repetition count.
“But they have the tools. Ty throws a catchable ball. He’s smart. He’s been in college football now going into year four,” DeBoer said. “He’s seen the ups and downs. He’s got great relationships with the team. He’s a leader that way. He’s really owned things on another level.”
There might be even more talent and tenacity on DeBoer’s defense in 2025.
Two fifth-year starters, linebacker Deontae Lawson and defensive tackle Tim Keenan, are geared up to boost the targeting takeaway total from 2024 when Alabama ranked fifth in the nation with 2.1 takeaways per game.
DeBoer expects to take the field with a total of 17 seniors on the roster — up from eight last season — but underscored their importance in maintaining continuity after a year of mass introductions in 2024.
He presented Lawson, returning from a season-ending knee injury in November, as the case in point.
“Probably thought a year ago at this time he’d be wearing an NFL jersey. Circumstances as they may be, just coming back from an injury, seeing him attack it, seeing him and his mindset … understanding the circumstances he can’t control and what he can,” DeBoer said. “Man, it’s just amazing seeing him take over not just the defense but be a leader on our football team.
“I walked into a meeting looking for a coach actually. I walked in. It was (Lawson) holding a meeting with the linebackers. Listened for about 30 seconds. I knew that meeting was in a good position. Coaching it like a coach. When you have guys on the field that are like him — understand the depth, the details — you know you’re headed in the right direction and have a chance.”
4-STAR DL JAMES JOHNSON FLIPS TO TEXAS FROM GEORGIA
Four-star defensive lineman James Johnson changed his mind and said he will play at Texas instead of Georgia.
The previous commitment of Johnson, from Northwestern High School in Miami, was short-lived. He made his pledge to Georgia on June 28 and decommitted Tuesday.
He took official visits to both schools, as well as to Miami, Florida State and Florida over the past six weeks.
The 247Sports composite lists the 6-foot-2, 285-pound prospect as the No. 8 defensive lineman in the Class of 2026.
Johnson’s commitment added to an already stellar week for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian.
On Tuesday, Tyler Atkinson, the No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 recruiting class, committed to Texas.
Atkinson, who plays at Grayson High School in Loganville, Ga., is ranked No. 9 overall, No. 1 at his position and No. 1 in the Peach State by the 247Sports composite.
With the commitments of Johnson and Atkinson, the Longhorns’ 2026 class now ranks No. 6 in the nation, per the 247Sports composite.
2025 COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S TOP TRANSFERS
We are all gearing up for college football. That also means trying to keep up with all the players in the transfer portal and which teams scores the biggest prize. Here’s how the staff at Indiana SRN graded the players and where they went.
QB’S
CARSON BECK FROM GEORGIA TO MIAMI FL… BECK THREW FOR 3,485 yards with 28 touchdowns for the Bulldogs.
JOHN MATEER FROM WASHINGTON STATE TO OKLAHOMA.. Averaged 330.4 total yards per game last season.
NICO IAMALEAVA FROM TENNESSEE TO UCLA… A high profile quarterback will look to get his career going again.
JACKSON ARNOLD FROM OKLAHOMA TO AUBURN… Arnold will thrive with more talent around him at Auburn.
DEVON DAMPIER FROM NEW MEXICO TO UTAH… Dampier led the Mountain West in total offense last season.
TOMMY CASTELLANOS FROM BOSTON COLLEGE TO FLORIDA STATE… His rushing ability will fit in well at Florida State.
MARK GRONOWSKI FROM SOUTH DAKOTA STATE TO IOWA… You will be a massive upgrade under center for the Hawkeyes.
GEO LOPEZ FROM SOUTH ALABAMA TO NORTH CAROLINA… Lopez will answer many questions for the Tar Heels.
FERNANDO MENDOZA FROM CALIFORNIA TO INDIANA.. A complete and accurate quarterback who will be a great fit for the Hoosiers.
DARIAN MENSAH FROM TULANE TO DUKE… Emerged last season as a top-flight quarterback.
MILLER MOSS FROM USC TO LOUISVILLE… Coach Jeff Brohm will help Moss thrive in Louisville.
BEAU PRIBULA FROM PENN STATE TO MISSOURI.. Beau was a change of pace quarterback at Penn State.
JOEY AGUILAR FROM UCLA TO TENNESSEE… Another transfer that is expected to thrive at Tennessee.
KAIDON SALTER FROM LIBERTY TO COLORADO… The key will be if Salter can regain his 2023 form.
CONNOR WEIGMAN FROM TEXAS A&M TO HOUSTON… Connor is a former 5 –star prospect.
RB’S
FLUFF BOTHWELL FROM SOUTH ALABAMA TO MISSISSIPPI STATE.. Averaged 7.5 yards per carry as a freshman last season.
CJ DONALDSON FROM WEST VIRGINIA TO OHIO STATE… Donaldson could have a big season in Columbus.
AHMAD HARDY FROM LOUISIANA MONROE TO MISSOURI… Led all freshman with 1,351 rushing yards.
JUSTICE HAYNES FROM ALABAMA TO MICHIGAN… Michigan will have a strong running attack with Haynes in the mix.
MAKHI HUGHES FROM TULANE TO OREGON… Rushed for back to back 1,300 yard seasons at Tulane.
JAYDN OTT FROM CALIFORNIA TO OKLAHOMA.. Looking to regain his 2023 form after being injured last season.
WR’S
NIC ANDERSON FROM OKLAHOMA TO LSU… Averaged 21 yards per catch as a freshman in 2023.
BARION BROWN FROM KENTUCKY TO LSU… Has elite speed and will be a huge contributor on special teams.
ZACHARIAH BRANCH FROM USC TO GEORGIA.. A welcome addition for the Bulldogs.
KC CONCEPCIÓN FROM NORTH CAROLINA STATE TO TEXAS A&M… A versatile receiver that will bring big play production to the Aggies.
CJ DANIELS FROM LSU TO MIAMI FLORIDA.. Brings 148 receptions from LSU.
MALACHI FIELDS FROM VIRGINIA TO NOTRE DAME… In his last two seasons at Virginia, fields caught 113 passes.
DEVONTE ROSS FROM TROY TO PENN STATE… Expected to make a contribution for the Nittany Lions.
DANE KEY FROM KENTUCKY TO NEBRASKA… Key is a stretch player.
ERIC RIVERS FROM FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL TO GEORGIA TECH… Ranked 11th nationally in receiving yards last season with 1,172.
DUCE ROBINSON FROM USC TO FLORIDA STATE… Robinson will bolster Florida State’s passing attack.
ERIC SINGLETON JUNIOR FROM GEORGIA TECH TO AUBURN… Joins teammate Cam Coleman as one of the top SEC duos.
TE’S
JACK ENDRIES FROM CALIFORNIA TO TEXAS… Jack was second in the ACC last season with 56 receptions.
MAX KLARE FROM PURDUE TO OHIO STATE… Caught 51 receptions for the boilermakers in 2024.
OL
XAVIER CHAPLIN FROM VIRGINIA TECH TO AUBURN… Provides protection on the left side for Auburn.
PAT COOGAN FROM NOTRE DAME TO INDIANA… Many considered Coogan the heart and soul of Notre Dame’s offense of line last season.
BRAELIN MOORE FROM VIRGINIA TECH TO LSU… Started 24 games at Virginia Tech.
SAM PENDLETON FROM NOTRE DAME TO TENNESSEE… Pendleton will solidify the interior line at Tennessee.
EMMANUEL PREGNON FROM USC TO OREGON… 25 starts at USC.
HOWARD SAMPSON FROM NORTH CAROLINA TO TEXAS TECH.. Sampson is one of three transfers headed to Texas Tech.
ISAIAH WORLD FROM NEVADA TO OREGON… Allowed only three sacks over the last two seasons at Nevada.
DL
WILL HELDT FROM PURDUE TO CLEMSON… Had 10 tackles for loss in 2024 at Purdue.
PATRICK PAYTON FROM FLORIDA STATE TO LSU.. Has 16 career sacks.
WILLIAMS NWANERI FROM MISSOURI TO NEBRASKA… A former 5 –star recruit.
JAMES WILLIAMS FROM NEBRASKA TO FLORIDA STATE.. Williams will step in immediately at Florida State.
PRINCEWILL UMANMIELEN FROM NEBRASKA TO OLE MISS… A former 4 –star recruit who will thrive at Ole Miss.
DAMON WILSON FROM GEORGIA TO MISSOURI… Will create havoc for the Tigers defense.
DAVID BAILEY FROM STAMFORD TO TEXAS TECH… Bailey recorded 12 sacks and led Stamford in tackles for loss over the last two seasons.
DB’S
TACARIO DAVIS FROM ARIZONA TO WASHINGTON… Davis hasn’t allowed a touchdown in coverage over the last two seasons at Arizona.
MANSOOR DELANE FROM VIRGINIA TECH TO LSU… 29 starts and Virginia Tech with six interceptions.
XAVIER LUCAS FROM WISCONSIN TO MIAMI FLORIDA… Was a standout at Wisconsin.
DILLON THIENMAN FROM PURDUE TO OREGON… Dillion will help Oregon rebuild its secondary.
2025 COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S TOP QB
Get ready college football fans. The 2025 season will feature some of the best QB’s, some pure passers, others duel-threat QB’s. Here’s the BEST-OF-THE-BEST:
**ARCH MANNING, TEXAS:** Finally, it’s Manning’s chance to validate the hype surrounding this blue-chip quarterback, who comes from one of football’s most famous families. He is the preseason Heisman favorite and showcased his potential as a budding star during two spot starts last season. Now in his third season under coach Steve Sarkisian, a skilled quarterback developer, Manning is poised for a breakout year. He possesses a strong arm and impressive mobility, but he needs to improve his processing time.
**CADE KLUBNIK, CLEMSON:** In his second year as the starting quarterback, Klubnik has restored the explosiveness to the Clemson offense that had been lacking since the Tigers were competing for national championships. With even more weapons at his disposal, he should be a key player in the Heisman discussion as the team makes another title push.
**DREW ALLAR, PENN STATE:** Allar is the face of Penn State’s pursuit of its first national title in nearly 40 years. After a tough end to his junior year, which included a crucial interception in the playoff semifinal against Notre Dame, Allar enters his second season running offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s scheme, supported by an excellent offensive line and one of the nation’s top collections of skill talent, particularly in the backfield.
**LANORRIS SELLERS, SOUTH CAROLINA: ** Sellers showcased his versatility as a redshirt freshman, passing for 353 yards and five touchdowns in a win against Missouri, followed by a performance where he rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns against Clemson. He embodies the dual-threat quarterback profile, demonstrating accuracy and impressive speed—he can reach nearly 21 mph on the field. If he can reduce his turnovers, particularly fumbles, he’ll become the complete package.
**SAM LEAVITT, ARIZONA STATE:** Leavitt made an impressive transformation from a relatively unknown transfer from Michigan State to one of the top quarterbacks in the sport, leading Arizona State to the playoffs. Although running back Cam Skattebo received much of the attention, Leavitt’s statistics—21 touchdowns to just four interceptions in the final nine games—speak volumes. With good running abilities and a knack for performing in big games, he leads an offense poised to be among the best in the Big 12.
**CARSON BECK, MIAMI:** Replacing the top overall draft pick may seem daunting, but Beck is no stranger to high expectations. He comes to Coral Gables with significant potential and some baggage; last season, his Georgia offense was inconsistent. Nevertheless, he posted solid numbers in 2024 with 3,485 passing yards, a 64.7% completion rate, and 28 touchdowns. However, many of his 12 interceptions were due to forcing plays, which he needs to overcome if the Hurricanes aim to compete for a playoff spot.
**GARRETT NUSSMEIER, LSU:** Nussmeier has a strong arm and the confidence to make any throw. You’ll understand why he’s projected as an early first-round NFL Draft pick when you see him zip a pass to the sideline. He is the only returning quarterback in the nation who threw for over 4,000 yards last season, and he’ll have a solid group of receivers around him. His next step in development will be to reduce his 12 interceptions from 2024.
**LUKE ALTMYER, ILLINOIS:** The former Mississippi transfer has found a home with the emerging Illinois team, tallying 26 touchdowns against six interceptions in a standout 2024 season. After winning 10 games last fall, Illinois is gaining attention as a contender for an at-large playoff bid, largely due to Altmyer’s reliability and leadership of the offense. Like Allar at Penn State, Altmyer is a returning starter in a Big Ten quarterback landscape filled with youth and first-year transfers.
**FERNANDO MENDOZA, INDIANA:** Mendoza takes over as the starting quarterback for the Hoosiers after last year’s starter, Kurtis Rourke, helped the team achieve a surprising playoff berth. The Cal transfer threw for over 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024 and brings two years of starting experience into coach Curt Cignetti’s explosive offense.
**MILLER MOSS, LOUISVILLE:** Moss had a mixed experience at Southern California, throwing for 2,555 yards and 18 touchdowns. However, a three-interception game in a loss against Washington led to his demotion and eventual transfer. He is expected to fit well at Louisville, given coach Jeff Brohm’s history of developing quarterbacks, and he will have several all-league talents surrounding him in the Cardinals’ offense.
**JULIAN SAYIN, OHIO STATE:** Sayin is set to take the reins as the expected starter for the Buckeyes. After limited opportunities last season with 12 attempts as a reserve, he has the potential to be one of the Big Ten’s most efficient passers while playing alongside elite receivers like Jeremiah Smith. Unlike some other quarterbacks, Sayin has limited playing experience, which may pose a challenge as he steps into this significant role.
**BEHREN MORTON, TEXAS TECH:** Once again, Texas Tech has a gunslinger who is poised to shine. Morton enters his final season in Lubbock ready to thrive in the Red Raiders’ pass-heavy offense. What’s remarkable is that despite throwing the ball frequently, he takes care of it well, recording only eight interceptions on 466 passing attempts last season. He has all the potential to lead the nation in passing yards.
**BLAKE HORVATH, NAVY:** In his first season as a starter, Horvath led the Midshipmen to 10 wins, including a victory over Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl. He primarily excels on the ground, typical of Navy quarterbacks, accumulating 1,353 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns last season. However, he also showcased his passing ability with 13 touchdown passes. Expect even better production in 2025 as Navy aims to contend in the American Athletic Conference again.
**ROCCO BECHT, IOWA STATE:** Becht is one of the most underrated quarterbacks on this list. He guided Iowa State to its first 11-win season in program history in 2024, throwing for 3,505 yards. With 27 career starts, he is among the most experienced quarterbacks, demonstrating a high on-field IQ that consistently frustrates defenses. He has a notable streak of 18 consecutive games with a touchdown pass.
**HAYNES KING, GEORGIA TECH:** Despite battling injuries for significant portions of the season, King finished 2024 with 2,701 total offensive yards and accounted for 25 touchdowns. His tough running style likely contributed to these injuries. The current challenge for the Yellow Jackets’ coaching staff is determining whether they have assembled enough support around King to fully utilize his considerable talent. If they have, an increase in their win total is likely.
**AVERY JOHNSON, KANSAS STATE:** After losing Will Howard, Kansas State has placed its confidence in Johnson, who has shown tremendous potential as their new starting quarterback. He had several standout moments in 2024, especially with his ability to orchestrate fourth-quarter comebacks. His confidence grew throughout the season, and with a full year of starting experience, Johnson is expected to mature into a more polished player, keeping Kansas State competitive.
**KEVIN JENNINGS, SMU:** The Mustangs surprised everyone by reaching the ACC Championship game in their inaugural season in the conference, and Jennings played a significant role in that success. He finished the season with 3,245 passing yards and 23 touchdown passes, along with 354 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, despite a disappointing playoff end against Penn State.
**DARAIN MENSAH, DUKE:** After a solid 2,723-yard season with 22 touchdown passes at Tulane, Mensah aims to elevate Duke’s status in the ACC. His reportedly high NIL valuation suggests that the program’s supporters are serious about transforming Duke into more than just a basketball powerhouse. Now, he must deliver on that investment to propel the Blue Devils into title contention.
**DANTE MOORE, OREGON:** Following an inconsistent freshman year at UCLA in 2023, Moore spent last season acclimating to Oregon’s offense while backing up Dillon Gabriel. Having Power Five starting experience and a familiarity with the offensive scheme provide him significant advantages. Watch for Moore to seize this opportunity and emerge as the Ducks’ latest high-productive starter.
**JOSH HOOVER, TCU:** TCU seems to have found its quarterback in Hoover, who had an impressive 2024 season, setting the school record with 3,949 passing yards. With a completion percentage of 66.5%, he leads returning Big 12 quarterbacks. Hoover possesses excellent pocket presence and pinpoint accuracy even when on the run. The Horned Frogs have the potential to become an offensive powerhouse, driven by Hoover’s strong arm, which led to 61 completions of at least 20 yards last season.
**DYLAN RAIOLA, NEBRASKA:** The former five-star recruit is set to take a significant step in his sophomore year after gaining valuable experience last season, benefiting from a much-improved receiving corps and a full offseason in coordinator Dana Holgorsen’s system. Raiola has the talent to fulfill the high expectations surrounding his recruitment and is expected to capitalize on that potential this coming September.
**NICO IAMALEAVA, UCLA:** Iamaleava is expected to gain national attention after his dramatic exit from Tennessee. He will face tougher challenges at UCLA, which has made strides under coach DeShaun Foster, but the team may not have the same level of talent he enjoyed at the Volunteers. Nevertheless, Iamaleava has led an SEC team to the playoffs and could be the missing piece the Bruins need to succeed.
**SAWYER ROBERTSON, BAYLOR:** Coach Dave Aranda can thank Robertson for securing his job after the quarterback delivered an impressive second half to the season. Taking over in the third game, he led the Bears to a 6-0 finish in the regular season, throwing for a total of 1,581 passing yards and 17 touchdowns during that stretch. His efficiency rating stood at 153.1.
**JOHN MATEER, OKLAHOMA:** Oklahoma struggled last season to address its quarterback vacancy after Dillon Gabriel transferred to Oregon. Mateer, who transferred from Washington State, fills that need. His playing style shares similarities with Gabriel’s; he is a hard-nosed dual threat who excels as both a passer and a runner. Mateer can complete passes from various arm angles, showcasing his versatility. He now faces the challenge of proving himself against a higher caliber of defense than he encountered on the West Coast.
**DJ LANGWAY, FLORIDA:** The Gators experienced a surge in performance after Langway was named the starter midway through his true freshman season, and we likely haven’t seen his full potential yet. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury limited his dual-threat capabilities in 2024, and durability is a concern for Langway. He has spent the offseason recovering from a throwing shoulder injury. However, when healthy, he has the potential for big plays. He demonstrates an impressive ability to connect on deep passes, completing over 52% of throws that travel more than 20 yards.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: BIG 12
PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
KANSAS STATE
ARIZONA STATE
TEXAS TECH
IOWA STATE
BAYLOR
BYU
UTAH
KANSAS
TCU
COLORADO
HOUSTON
CINCINNATI
OKLAHOMA STATE
WEST VIRGINIA
ARIZONA
CENTRAL FLORIDA
TITLE GAME: KANSAS STATE OVER ARIZONA STATE
TOP TRANSFERS TO WATCH:
DAVID BAILEY TEXAS TECH
CONNOR WEIGMAN HOUSTON
DEVON DAMPIER UTAH
LEE HUNTER TEXAS TECH
CHASE SOWELL IOWA STATE
KAIDON SALTER COLORADO
JORDAN DWYER TCU
ROMELLO HEIGHT TEXAS TECH
HOWARD SAMPSON TEXAS TECH
TANNER KOZIOL HOUSTON
RECRUITING RANKINGS
TCU
COLORADO
KANSAS STATE
UTAH
BAYLOR
OKLAHOMA STATE
WEST VIRGINIA
TEXAS TECH
ARIZONA STATE
ARIZONA
HOUSTON
IOWA STATE
BYU
CENTRAL FLORIDA
CINCINNATI
KANSAS
BIGGEST GAMES TO WATCH
AUGUST 23 KANSAS STATE VS. IOWA STATE
SEPTEMBER 6 KANSAS AT MISSOURI
SEPTEMBER 13 PITTSBURGH AT WEST VIRGINIA
SEPTEMBER 20 SMU AT TCU
OCTOBER 18 BAYLOR AT TCU
OCTOBER 18 UTAH AT BYU
OCTOBER 18 TEXAS TECH AT ARIZONA STATE
OCTOBER 25 BYU AT IOWA STATE
OCTOBER 25 KANSAS STATE AT KANSAS
NOVEMBER 1 ARIZONA STATE AT IOWA STATE
NOVEMBER 8 BYU AT TEXAS TECH
NOVEMBER 29 COLORADO AT KANSAS STATE
PRE-SEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS
FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE
QB SAM LEAVITT ARIZONA STATE
RB JAHIEM WHITE WEST VIRGINIA
RB BRYSON WASHINGTON BAYLOR
AP DYLAN EDWARDS KANSAS STATE
WR JORDYN TYSON ARIZONA STATE
WR CHASE ROBERTS BYU
WR ERIC MCALLISTER TCU
TE JOE ROYER CINCINNATI
C BRYCE FOSTER KANSAS
OL JORDAN SEATON, COLORADO
OL SPENCER FANO UTAH
OL CALEB LOMU UTAH
OL BEN COLEMAN ARIZONA STATE
FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE
DL DONTAY CORLEONE CINCINNATI
DL DOMONIQUE ORANGE IOWA STATE
DL DEAN MILLER KANSAS
DL LEE HUNTER TEXAS TECH
LB ISAIAH GLASKER BYU
LB KEATON THOMAS BAYLOR
LB JACOB RODRIGUEZ TEXAS TECH
LB AUSTIN ROMAIN KANSAS STATE
CB JONTEZ WILLIAMS IOWA STATE
CB DJ MCKINNEY COLORADO
S XAVION ALFORD ARIZONA STATE
S BUD CLARK TCU
FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS
K WILL FERRIN BYU
P PARKER WILLIAMS BAYLOR
KR MEKHI MEWS HOUSTON
PR JOSH CAMERON BAYLOR
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE
1 TCU HORNED FROGS
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 471
1 SEPT 27 AT ARIZONA STATE
2 OCT 11 AT KANSAS STATE
3 NOV 15 AT BYU
4 NOV 22 AT HOUSTON
5 NOV 8 IOWA STATE
6 OCT 25 AT WEST VIRGINIA
7 SEPT 1 AT NORTH CAROLINA
8 SEPT 20 SMU
9 OCT 18 BAYLOR
10 OCT 4 COLORADO
11 NOV 29 CINCINNATI
12 SEPT 6 ABILENE CHRISTIAN
MISSING: ARIZONA, KANSAS, OKLAHOMA STATE, TEXAS TECH, UCF, UTAH
2 BAYLOR BEARS
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 475.5
1 SEPT 20 ARIZONA STATE
2 SEPT 6 AT SMU
2 NOV 15 UTAH
4 OCT 18 AT TCU
5 AUG 30 AUBURN
5 NOV 22 AT ARIZONA
7 OCT 25 AT CINCINNATI
8 OCT 4 KANSAS STATE
9 SEPT 27 AT OKLAHOMA STATE
10 NOV 29 HOUSTON
11 NOV 1 UCF
12 SEPT 13 SAMFORD
MISSING: BYU, COLORADO, IOWA STATE, KANSAS, TEXAS TECH, WEST VIRGINIA
3 COLORADO BUFFALOES
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 487.5
1 OCT 25 AT UTAH
2 NOV 29 AT KANSAS STATE
3 NOV 22 ARIZONA STATE
4 OCT 4 AT TCU
5 SEPT 13 AT HOUSTON
6 OCT 11 IOWA STATE
7 NOV 8 AT WEST VIRGINIA
8 AUG 30 GEORGIA TECH
9 SEPT 27 BYU
10 NOV 1 ARIZONA
11 SEPT 20 WYOMING
12 SEPT 6 DELAWARE
MISSING: BAYLOR, CINCINNATI, KANSAS, OKLAHOMA STATE, TEXAS TECH, UCF
4 UTAH UTES
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 496
1 OCT 11 ARIZONA STATE
2 NOV 15 AT BAYLOR
3 OCT 18 AT BYU
4 AUG 30 AT UCLA
5 NOV 22 KANSAS STATE
6 SEPT 27 AT WEST VIRGINIA
7 SEPT 20 TEXAS TECH
8 SEPT 13 AT WYOMING
9 NOV 29 AT KANSAS
10 OCT 25 COLORADO
11 NOV 1 CINCINNATI
12 SEPT 6 CAL POLY
MISSING: ARIZONA, HOUSTON, IOWA STATE, OKLAHOMA STATE, TCU, UCF
5 WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 506
1 NOV 15 AT ARIZONA STATE
2 SEPT 27 UTAH
3 OCT 3 AT BYU
4 NOV 1 AT HOUSTON
5 NOV 29 TEXAS TECH
6 OCT 18 AT UCF
7 SEPT 20 AT KANSAS
8 SEPT 13 PITT
9 OCT 25 TCU
10 SEPT 6 AT OHIO
11 NOV 8 COLORADO
12 AUG 30 ROBERT MORRIS
MISSING: ARIZONA, BAYLOR, CINCINNATI, IOWA STATE, KANSAS STATE, OKLAHOMA STATE
6 HOUSTON COUGARS
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 538.5
1 OCT 25 AT ARIZONA STATE
2 NOV 29 AT BAYLOR
3 OCT 4 TEXAS TECH
4 OCT 11 AT OKLAHOMA STATE
5 SEPT 6 AT RICE
6 NOV 8 AT UCF
7 SEPT 27 AT OREGON STATE
8 NOV 22 TCU
9 SEPT 13 COLORADO
10 OCT 18 ARIZONA
11 NOV 1 WEST VIRGINIA
12 AUG 30 STEPHEN F AUSTIN
MISSING: BYU, CINCINNATI, IOWA STATE, KANSAS, KANSAS STATE, UTAH
7 IOWA STATE CYCLONES
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 540.5
1 NOV 1 ARIZONA STATE
2 NOV 8 AT TCU
3 OCT 11 AT COLORADO
4 SEPT 6 IOWA
5 OCT 4 AT CINCINNATI
6 AUG 23 VS KANSAS STATE (IN DUBLIN)
7 NOV 29 AT OKLAHOMA STATE
8 OCT 25 BYU
9 SEPT 13 AT ARKANSAS STATE
10 SEPT 27 ARIZONA
11 NOV 22 KANSAS
12 AUG 30 SOUTH DAKOTA
MISSING: BAYLOR, HOUSTON, TEXAS TECH, UCF, UTAH, WEST VIRGINIA
8 KANSAS JAYHAWKS
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 541.5
1 SEPT 6 AT MISSOURI
2 NOV 22 AT IOWA STATE
3 OCT 11 AT TEXAS TECH
4 NOV 29 UTAH
5 NOV 8 AT ARIZONA
6 OCT 25 KANSAS STATE
7 OCT 4 AT UCF
8 SEPT 27 CINCINNATI
9 SEPT 20 WEST VIRGINIA
10 NOV 1 OKLAHOMA STATE
11 AUG 23 FRESNO STATE
12 AUG 30 WAGNER
MISSING: ARIZONA STATE, BAYLOR, BYU, COLORADO, HOUSTON, TCU
9 BYU COUGARS
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 556
1 OCT 25 AT IOWA STATE
2 NOV 8 AT TEXAS TECH
3 OCT 18 UTAH
4 SEPT 27 AT COLORADO
5 OCT 11 AT ARIZONA
6 NOV 22 AT CINCINNATI
7 SEPT 20 AT EAST CAROLINA
8 NOV 15 TCU
9 OCT 3 WEST VIRGINIA
10 SEPT 6 STANFORD
11 NOV 29 UCF
12 AUG 30 PORTLAND STATE
MISSING: ARIZONA STATE, BAYLOR, HOUSTON, KANSAS, KANSAS STATE, OKLAHOMA STATE
10 KANSAS STATE WILDCATS
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 569.5
1 NOV 22 AT UTAH
2 OCT 4 AT BAYLOR
3 SEPT 13 AT ARIZONA
4 AUG 23 VS IOWA STATE (IN DUBLIN)
5 NOV 1 TEXAS TECH
6 NOV 15 AT OKLAHOMA STATE
7 OCT 25 AT KANSAS
8 OCT 11 TCU
9 NOV 29 COLORADO
10 SEPT 27 UCF
11 SEPT 6 ARMY
12 AUG 30 NORTH DAKOTA
MISSING: ARIZONA STATE, BYU, CINCINNATI, HOUSTON, UCF, WEST VIRGINIA
11 ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 582
1 OCT 11 AT UTAH
2 NOV 1 AT IOWA STATE
3 SEPT 20 AT BAYLOR
4 NOV 22 AT COLORADO
5 OCT 18 TEXAS TECH
6 SEPT 6 AT MISSISSIPPI STATE
7 SEPT 27 TCU
8 OCT 25 HOUSTON
9 NOV 29 ARIZONA
10 NOV 15 WEST VIRGINIA
11 SEPT 13 TEXAS STATE
12 AUG 30 NORTHERN ARIZONA
MISSING: BYU, CINCINNATI, KANSAS, OKLAHOMA STATE, TCU, UCF
12 OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 592
1 SEPT 6 AT OREGON
2 OCT 25 AT TEXAS TECH
3 OCT 4 AT ARIZONA
4 NOV 29 IOWA STATE
5 NOV 15 KANSAS STATE
6 NOV 22 AT UCF
7 SEPT 27 BAYLOR
8 NOV 1 AT KANSAS
9 OCT 11 HOUSTON
10 OCT 18 CINCINNATI
11 SEPT 20 TULSA
12 AUG 30 UT MARTIN
MISSING: ARIZONA STATE, BYU, COLORADO, TCU, UTAH, WEST VIRGINIA
13 ARIZONA WILDCATS
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 596
1 NOV 29 AT ARIZONA STATE
2 SEPT 27 AT IOWA STATE
3 NOV 1 AT COLORADO
4 OCT 18 AT HOUSTON
5 NOV 15 AT CINCINNATI
6 SEPT 13 KANSAS STATE
7 NOV 22 BAYLOR
8 OCT 11 BYU
9 OCT 4 OKLAHOMA STATE
10 NOV 8 KANSAS
11 AUG 30 HAWAII
12 SEPT 6 WEBER STATE
MISSING: KANSAS STATE, TCU, TEXAS TECH, UCF, UTAH, WEST VIRGINIA
14 CINCINNATI BEARCATS
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 626
1 NOV 1 AT UTAH
2 NOV 29 AT TCU
3 OCT 4 IOWA STATE
4 OCT 18 AT OKLAHOMA STATE
5 AUG 28 VS NEBRASKA (IN KANSAS CITY)
6 OCT 25 BAYLOR
7 NOV 22 BYU
8 SEPT 27 AT KANSAS
9 NOV 15 ARIZONA
10 OCT 11 UCF
11 SEPT 6 BOWLING GREEN
12 SEPT 13 NORTHWESTERN STATE
MISSING: ARIZONA STATE, COLORADO, HOUSTON, KANSAS STATE, TEXAS TECH, WEST VIRGINIA
15 UCF KNIGHTS
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 666.5
1 SEPT 27 AT KANSAS STATE
2 NOV 15 AT TEXAS TECH
3 NOV 1 AT BAYLOR
4 NOV 29 AT BYU
5 OCT 11 AT CINCINNATI
6 NOV 8 HOUSTON
7 OCT 18 WEST VIRGINIA
8 NOV 22 OKLAHOMA STATE
9 SEPT 20 NORTH CAROLINA
10 OCT 4 KANSAS
11 AUG 28 JACKSONVILLE STATE
12 SEPT 6 NORTH CAROLINA A&T
MISSING: ARIZONA, ARIZONA STATE, COLORADO, IOWA STATE, TCU, UTAH
16 TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SCORE: 690
1 OCT 18 AT ARIZONA STATE
2 SEPT 20 AT UTAH
3 NOV 1 AT KANSAS STATE
4 OCT 4 AT HOUSTON
5 NOV 29 AT WEST VIRGINIA
6 NOV 8 BYU
7 OCT 25 OKLAHOMA STATE
8 NOV 15 UCF
9 SEPT 13 OREGON STATE
10 OCT 11 KANSAS
11 SEPT 6 KENT STATE
12 AUG 30 ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF
MISSING: ARIZONA, BAYLOR, CINCINNATI, COLORADO, IOWA STATE, TCU
TEAM-BY-TEAM SCOUTING
ARIZONA: It looks like there on the decline. They lost a ton the guys over the last two seasons. The success of this coaching staff will depend on how fast they can find a quarterback who can run this new system.
ARIZONA STATE: The big 12 is very volatile right now, so there’s an idea another program might jump out of nowhere like Arizona State did last season. It’s hard to pick against them after winning the league last year and returning almost everybody.
BAYLOR: The offense click, and it turned them around completely last season. They’ll go as far as they can with an experienced backfield. This could be one of the best offenses in the nation this season.
BYU: The cougars have a physical defense that can give opposing teams a lot of problems. Their style runs counter to the offense of mentality of the league really well, and the embrace contact. Picking up several Utah players in the portal was a big statement for them.
CINCINNATI: This is a hotseat job, and they have to show results this season or they may be looking for new coach. Their quarterback turns the ball over too much. They’re not far off in terms of overall talent. The defense looks solid in terms of the guys they brought back, but they faded big time down the stretch last season.
COLORADO: One of the biggest questions for Deion Sanders and Colorado is who will lead the offense. It’s still a circus in Boulder. They turned over a ton in the transfer portal, and the try to make it out like it’s a competition – based result, but there really going to struggle on the offense of line because of transfers again.
HOUSTON: It’s all about the offense. They need a great running back to emerge out of the group they brought in. Defensively, they did a lot of stuff really well in the first year and they built on that in recruiting.
IOWA STATE: They could go to the big 12 title game again. They did a great job in the portal placing guys at need positions on offense especially at wide receiver. They have a dominant offense. Injuries hurt them at linebacker last season, and there turning over a lot of the secondary. Defense is the area where they might slip from last season.
KANSAS: You see a lot of holes when it comes to returning production, but don’t rule out a bigger step forward this season if there healthy at quarterback. On paper, they’re not a top – and team in the league, but this program gets the most out of what they have.
KANSAS STATE: If they win their opener against Iowa State, there in the driver seat for the conference championship game. The defense is solid, but the offense could carry them to the playoff.
OKLAHOMA STATE: Never count out head coach Mike Gundy and the Cowboys. The biggest question mark will be the offense of line, and there is no clear answer at quarterback. Defensively the Cowboys will have a challenge.
TCU: The Horned Frogs built death and recruited to fill every deficiency. They have the best signing class in the league. Defensively they have developed some very excellent players. They could be a surprise conference title team.
TEXAS TECH: Expectations are significantly higher than ever before. There is complete by – in from the coaching staff and donors. If they’re not a double – digit win team this season, it will be considered a failure.
CENTRAL FLORIDA: Head coach Scott Frost takes over a program with just one starter on offense returning. He led the Knights to a perfect season in 2017 before leaving for his alma mater Nebraska. There are questions at quarterback, and the defense appears capable of keeping the Knights competitive.
UTAH: The Utes have undergone big changes, particularly on offense. The defense is in a rebuilding season. Early signs are positive and point to a bounce – back season.
WEST VIRGINIA: West Virginia experienced a ton of turnover through graduation and the transfer portal, but the coaching staff has been active in filling those needs. Only three starters return on offense, and only one on defense. This could be a surprise team considering all of the unknowns.
